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690th Rapid Port Opening Element activates during ceremony

1st Sgt. Pablo Santiago, right, 690th Rapid Port Opening Element first sergeant, and Warrant Officer Steven Armstrong, left, 690th RPOE commander, officially uncase and activate the unit Friday at the Transportation Museum on Fort Eustis. "I want to thank each and every one of you for attending today's ceremony," said Col. Jeffrey Helmick, 597th Transportation Terminal Group commander. The 688th RPOE stood up in March 2008 and the 689th RPOE stood up in October 2008 and the 690th officially activated Friday. Helmick said all are assigned to the United States Transportation Command. "Let's make no mistake. This isn't your typical inland cargo transfer unit or old cargo transfer company," Helmick added. "The RPOE is cutting edge in a modular formation, working in a joint environment."